While seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is commonly associated with the winter months, a lesser-known phenomenon, spring-onset SAD, affects a important portion of the population. Experts are now exploring the intricate relationship between seasonal allergies and mental well-being, suggesting that the immunological response to allergens may contribute to or even trigger symptoms of SAD in susceptible individuals.

the Spring SAD Paradox

Gary Falcetano, PA-C, AE-C, US Scientific Affairs Manager for Allergy at Thermo Fisher Scientific, sheds light on this often-overlooked aspect of seasonal affective disorder. We don’t typically think of seasonal affective disorder being a spring or a summer type disorder. We equate it with winter, decreased light, those type of issues, but there is actually [spring onset of SAD]. It’s a little less frequently occurring than the winter-onset SAD, but it’s certainly an issue.

The disruption of the body’s biological clock, particularly with changes in daylight saving time, is considered a primary theory behind spring-onset SAD. However,the role of inflammation triggered by seasonal allergies is increasingly being recognized.

Allergies and the Brain: An Inflammatory Connection

The link between allergic diseases and mental health extends beyond mere discomfort. Falcetano emphasizes the need to understand how allergic diseases, which affect hundreds of millions globally, impact not just obvious target organs but also the brain. Of course, we just talked about the effects of inflammation on the brain. I think when we look at springtime as being the time of year that’s one of the most arduous seasons for people with environmental allergies,it would not be unreasonable to attribute some of that spring-onset SAD or seasonal affective disorder,at least in part,to the spring allergy season.

Addressing the Research Gaps

Further research is crucial to fully understand the complex interplay between allergic disease and mental health. Falcetano calls for greater collaboration between various fields of study.I think we really need to understand this whole concept a lot better. For diseases in general, and especially allergic disease in particular, they affect hundreds of millions of patients worldwide. From a research viewpoint, I think we need to expand our understanding of how they affect not just the target organs that are obvious, the skin, the upper and lower airways, but also, as we’ve discussed today, the brain.

Ideally, a greater collaboration and initiatives between neurobiology, psychiatry, immunology, research colleagues would really add to our understanding of how these inflammatory disorders affect our general well-being and mental health.

Gary Falcetano, PA-C, AE-C, US Scientific Affairs Manager for Allergy at Thermo Fisher Scientific

This collaborative approach would facilitate a more extensive understanding of how inflammatory disorders impact both physical and mental well-being.

Clinical Implications and Recommendations

Clinicians play a vital role in addressing the holistic needs of patients presenting with allergy-like symptoms. This includes accurate diagnosis, treatment of physical symptoms, and consideration of emotional well-being. Falcetano advises: On the clinical side of things, I think it’s incumbent for all clinicians who see patients presenting with allergy like symptoms to make the correct diagnosis, to address the physical symptoms, with not just medications, but also preventative measures like identifying those culprit allergens, addressing them through environmental medication strategies, and then again, along with appropriate pharmacologic interventions.

Furthermore, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion and potentially screen for concomitant mental health conditions. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes.